John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

59. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the measures included for the charity sector in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38922/20]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Budget 2021 set out gross voted expenditure for 2021 of €87.8 billion, representing a significant investment in public services and encompassing a substantial package of supports in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic. As is usual, some of this funding will go to the community and voluntary sector. This includes allocations to a wide range of organisations, such as voluntary hospices, disability services, rural and community supports, mental health services, homelessness services and overseas development aid.

Some specific allocations announced in Expenditure Report 2021 for additional supports to be delivered this year include:

- An additional €10 million for the Covid-19 Stability Fund for Community and Voluntary Organisations.

- €10 million for voluntary hospices and other bodies working to enhance quality of life for people facing life-limiting illness.

- €20 million additional funding to support the Transforming Lives programme, through voluntary disability services.

The Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA), which is under the aegis of the Department of Rural and Community Development, received funding of €4.6 million for 2021 to enable it to meet its statutory obligations under the Charities Act 2009, including the establishment and maintenance of a public register of charities operating in Ireland. The objective of the CRA is to strengthen public trust and confidence in charities, provide proportionate risk based regulation and protection, promote compliance, and enhance engagement, operational efficiency and service delivery.

The Department of Rural and Community Development also supports the community and voluntary sector through its Community Development programme. The aim of this programme is to support and promote the development of vibrant, inclusive communities, as well as the development of the community and voluntary sector. In total, this programme received funding of €159 million in Budget 2021. This allocation will allow the Department of Rural and Community Development to:

- Increase funding for the Community Services Programme from €47 million to €49 million, supporting over 400 organisations and 2000 individuals in providing community services across Ireland.

- Continue funding of €44 million for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, assisting over 27,000 individuals, and provide €1 million to commence pilot community development projects at local level.

- Increase the support for volunteering from €3.5 million to €5.1 million, encouraging additional volunteering and matching volunteers to organisations.

- Continue funding supports for Public Participation Networks and Local Community Development Committees – strengthening local participation and community engagement.